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HomeMy WebLinkAboutGolf Board - Minutes - 11/20/1991CITY OF FORT COLLINS CULTURAL, LIBRARY, AND RECREATIONAL SERVICES GOLF BOARD MINUTES: Regular meeting of November 20, 1991 The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Board President Roger Sample. Jerry P. Brown reported that Steve Jouard would be unable to attend tonight's Board meeting. Agenda Review: Jerry requested that two items be added to tonight's scheduled agenda. An issue regarding residency for golf usage, as requested by Councilman Maxey, was added. Also, Terry Gilmore has requested time to discuss plans for future development south of SouthRidge Golf Course that has become a cause of concern to SouthRidge area home owners. The changes to the agenda as presented were approved by the Board. Minutes: On motion by Mary Hodge and second by Dan Preble, minutes from the regular meeting of October 16, 1991, were unanimously approved (6:0) as submitted. Citizen Participation: There was no citizen participation. However, at this point Jerry took the opportunity to introduce Jim Doyle, recent appointee to the Golf Board for completion of Terry Gilmore's unexpired term. On behalf of the Golf Board, Roger Sample welcomed Jim Doyle aboard. Approval of 1992 Desired Capital Proiect(s) About a year ago, when the fee structure was reviewed, it was decided if there was money available we should allocate those funds for desired capital improvements at City Park Nine and Collindale Golf Courses. A target goal of $50,000 per year was established. $50,000 was approved for 1992; $20,000 for the City Park Nine Phase II irrigation has already been appropriated, leaving an additional $30,000 for any 1992 desired capital projects. A list of 10 possible projects was reviewed. If construction of the City Park Nine restroom is selected, we will need to find an additional $5,000 to 8,000 to complete the project. Comments were made on the Collindale Clubhouse and/or patio improvements that maybe this should be a joint project with the men's and women's golf Associations for matching funding. As to protective netting along Taft Hill and/or Mulberry at City Park Nine Golf Course, Jerry would not like to see it at all. However, if we are creating hazards, we will need to find a solution, that will not eliminate trees. The cost for netting along Taft Hill Road and Mulberry is approximately $10,000. In 1990, 10 claims were filed, and only three or four claims have been filed in 1991. Paved golf car paths at Collindale has been talked about for many years. Computerizing registration systems at Collindale and City Park Nine could probably both be obtained for under $30,000. The cost for installing a computerized irrigation system at Collindale would be around $100,000. However, Golf Board Minutes November 20, 1991 Page 2 Jerry would like to wait and see how the system at City Park Nine works out. Suggested improvements to the City Park Nine Snack Bar include installation of a grill and walk-in cooler. A year ago the cost was estimated at around $20,000. Jerry expressed his priority interests as 1) construction of a restroom at City Park Nine; 2) paved golf car paths; and 3) lighting the driving range at Collindale. Roger Sample thanked Jerry for reviewing the list, then asked Board members if there was anything they felt should be added to this list. Al Bednarz questioned if it was feasible to do both phases of the irrigation project at City Park Nine and Jerry responded it was ... City Park Nine is currently using a port-a-john; which people generally don't like to use. It will cost $7,000 to $8,000 just to install a drinking fountain. A computerized registration system could run $12,000 to $14,000. Mary Hodge commented that when she plays at Loveland, golf car paths take out mud spots, and she would like to see paths eventually work their way up the priority list. Regarding the project of lighting Collindale driving range, the City would share in revenue with Joe Nance. Jerry reported if the Board chose lighting the driving range at Collindale we would have to go through a planning process to receive approval. Dan Preble expressed his thoughts that we should build a restroom at City Park Nine. Jim Greer commented that he would like to at least see a water fountain. After further discussion, it was moved by Roger Sample and seconded by Tom White that the Golf Board approve Phase 2 of the irrigation project at City Park Nine; also to proceed with construction of the restroom at City Park Nine as the 1992 desired Capital Projects. Any additional money required for the construction of the City Park Nine restroom should come from the Contingency or other savings. Motion carried unanimously (6:0) SouthRidge Road Extension Issue The Board discussed the proposed land development to the south of SouthRidge Golf Course. Terry Gilmore was present to discuss plans of a developer on bringing SouthRidge Greens Boulevard south through Hole #12. Jerry reviewed the Plat of SouthRidge Golf Course, along with the early conceptual plans. He has been aware of a possible road extension since 1986. Terry said the developer wants eventually to reach Trilby Road. The first filing has a development of only 30 lots. The SouthRidge homeowners' main concern is that houses will be developed but the project will never be completed to Trilby Road. Terry felt this issue would be of interest to the Golf Board, purely from aesthetics of the golf course. Jerry reported that we could lose up to three tee -boxes with the road planned through Hole #12, virtually eliminating all championship tees. A question was raised by Roger Sample on what the Golf Board can actually do? Jim Doyle questioned how the City could abandon a dedicated right-of-way? Jerry said if the Golf Board takes any action, it will become part of the City's record. The purpose of the Golf Board is to advise City Staff and City Council. Al Bednarz commented that by placing a road through #12, that hole becomes a 4 0 Golf Board Minutes November 20, 1991 Page 3 short par 3 hole. Terry added his comment that this will cause losing a good hole at SouthRidge. This item has been brought to the attention of the Golf Board before it is taken to the Planning and Zoning Board on December 16. Dan Preble is not sure what can be done, but personally would not like to see Hole #12 cut off. Tom White questioned whether this is a dead-end thing as it is not developed out to Trilby Road? Trilby Road might be completed by the end of the decade. Mary Hodge is in the frame of mind that all alternatives should be looked at, but is not into hassling developers. Discussion followed that there are not many feasible alternatives. The consensus of the board members present is we can express our opinion that Hole #12 be kept as is, and would hope that the City and the developer would explore all possible options. However, with there already being a dedicated right-of-way, we may not be able to do anything. Review and Approval of 1992 Golf Board Work Plan Jerry presented a draft copy of the 1992 Work Plan for the Golf Board. Roger Sample questioned whether the SouthRidge Golf Pro contract would run through January, 1993, or be on a month -to -month basis until a decision is reached on SouthRidge in February or March? Jerry said until January 1993. Jerry suggested moving the January 15 scheduled meeting as he will be out of town. It was decided to reschedule the January meeting to Wednesday, January 29, 1992. Al Bednarz can see as a distinct possibility that if SouthRidge is kept, a large portion of the Golf Board's time will be used in the process of assimilating SouthRidge into the total golf program. After discussion Al moved and Dan Preble seconded to approve the 1992 Golf Board Work Plan/Meeting Schedule as presented by staff. Motion Carried (6:0) Status Update on SouthRidge Issues Jerry updated Golf Board members on the most recent activities regarding the sale of SouthRidge Golf Course. SouthRidge is still on the market place. One written offer was received from the group based in Ohio with an offer of $2.4 million. This was rejected as it came in too low, leaving the City with over $600,000 remaining debt. Only one agreement has been signed with a broker, and there has been some verbal interest that maybe in December a group will submit a bid for $2.7 million. If there is no sale by February 29, 1992, Council will discuss keeping SouthRidge. At that time the Golf Board will probably get back into the discussion and presentation of the Community Value of Golf. Roger Sample inquired as to how the SouthRidge issue should be presented? He feels the term "assimilation" should not be used in the Golf Division acquiring operations of SouthRidge Golf Course permanently. Jerry felt we will not do much until the sales issue is put to rest. At that time, Council may look at combining resources. Golf Board Minutes November 20, 1991 Page 4 Jim Doyle questioned the possibility of refinancing the bond issue for SouthRidge. Jerry replied the staff has already looked at that possibility, and it really can't be done. Residency for Golf Usage Council Member Maxey has requested for consideration the idea that all golf annual pass purchasers should live inside the city limits. Jerry reviewed a little of the history of annual passes. In 1980 the City Council added an out- of-town green fee for use of city golf courses. In February 1981, when Council limited annual passes to Fort Collins residents only, there were 905 annual passes. Of those annual pass holders, 28 lived totally outside the city limits; no Fort Collins address. At that time approximately 160 did not live in city limit boundaries. Currently it is guessed that 100 out of 700 annual pass holders live outside city limits, and only six now don't have a Fort Collins address. The out-of-town green fee was eliminated in 1985 as there was more trouble collecting the money than there was income generated. Jerry said collection of these fees is not impossible, however, it is cumbersome. Roger Sample served on the 1990 Fee Review Committee, along with Al Bednarz. At that time all the fees and charges were reviewed, and it was decided not to change the residency policy. Jerry asked if Board members really wanted to make this an issue at this time since the Board and Council may be soon receiving the entire fees and charges question with regard to the SouthRidge situation? Al Bednarz commented that, if this passed, he could serve on the Golf Board, but would not be able to purchase an annual pass. Al then questioned three areas. Those being what are the boundaries, Fort Collins address (which basically is the urban growth area), and who is classified a resident (is it only City limit residents)? Roger Sample commented this seems to be much ado about nothing. Jim Doyle asked why fix it if it's not broken? Most cities in the area do not charge outside city residents a fee. Many localities that did previously charge this fee have since discarded those practices. Since there seemed to be a consensus among the board members present it was decided to present to Councilman Maxey that the Fee Policy Committee reviewed this issue a year ago, and there has been nothing new presented to change the Golf Board views at this time. However, if we do amend this issue, the potential urban growth area would be acceptable. Board Members and Staff Comments/Reports - Al Bednarz feels the report on Community Value of Golf is great, but we need to devise a plan to combine operation of three courses and golf reserves. Maybe we could explore ways to reduce expenses with SouthRidge. - Mary Hodge would like to see the Golf Board pre -plan by prioritizing Capital Expenditures for the next four to five years. Golf Board Minutes November 20, 1991 Page 5 - Jim Doyle would like to review completely the SouthRidge issue, but would wait until after February 1992. - Jim Doyle believes if City Council approved the Recreation Policy, it should be applied to golf as well as any other recreational activity. At this time, golf is paying its own way (except for half of the SouthRidge debt). Correspondence/Financial and Statistical Reports - A couple of letters were distributed to the Golf Board. - In reference to the financial report status, City Park Nine and Collindale are currently at 105% of projected revenues for 1991. Annual pass play is down, but green fee play is up. Expenditures for 1991 will be approximately 99.8%. There will be a contribution to the reserve fund of approximately $45,000. - SouthRidge revenues are at 95% which is $33,000 short of the projected revenues for 1991. Jerry projects SouthRidge will end up around $25,000 short of projected revenue. Approximately $15,000 will be saved on expenditures. Totally, we will probably end up around $10,000 short of balancing. On motion by Al Bednarz and second by Tom White the meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Alyce Nierman Secretary III Golf Division Meeting Attendance Board Members Staff Guests Roger Sample Al Bednarz Jim Doyle Mary Hodge Dan Preble Tom White Jerry P. Brown Jim Greer Joe Nance Alyce Nierman Terry Gilmore